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U.S. Brings Benghazi Suspect Zubayr Al‑Bakoush to Face Eight-Count Federal Indictment

The case advances a decade-long U.S. effort to hold Benghazi attackers criminally accountable.

Overview

  • Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Al‑Bakoush arrived at Joint Base Andrews around 3 a.m. Friday and is now in federal custody.
  • An eight-count indictment charges him with offenses including the murders of Ambassador Chris Stevens and State Department official Sean Smith, attempted murder, arson, and conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
  • The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, led by Jeanine Pirro, will prosecute the case, and officials have not yet announced a first court appearance or defense counsel.
  • Justice Department and FBI officials declined to disclose where or how Al‑Bakoush was arrested before his transfer to the United States.
  • The September 11, 2012 attack in Benghazi killed four Americans, and a separate suspect, Ahmed Abu Khattala, was captured in 2014 and later convicted and imprisoned.